Medical coders organize medical records in a variety of health care organizations, including hospitals, clinics and physician's offices. While medical offices used to keep physical files, they are increasingly reliant on electronic health care information databases. As a result, it is more important than ever that aspiring medical coders and billers have excellent computer skills.

Medical coders organize medical records in a variety of health care organizations, including hospitals, clinics and physician's offices. While medical offices used to keep physical files, they are increasingly reliant on electronic health care information databases. As a result, it is more important than ever that aspiring medical coders and billers have excellent computer skills.

Basic Office Computing Skills

Medical coders should have basic computer skills necessary in any office setting. For example, they must be able to type quickly and accurately. They should also be familiar with the use of basic word processing and spreadsheet software, such as WordPerfect, Microsoft Word and Microsoft Excel.

Career-Specific Computer Skills

Medical coders need to know their way around specific types of medical software. For example, they may need to be familiar with document management software such as Hyland Software OnBase or SoftMed ChartLocater; medical software such as eClinicalWorks or Welford Chart Notes; and coding software such as American Medical Association CodeManager or DRG Grouper.

Medical records and health information technicians earned a median annual salary of $38,040 in 2016, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. On the low end, medical records and health information technicians earned a 25th percentile salary of $29,940, meaning 75 percent earned more than this amount. The 75th percentile salary is $49,770, meaning 25 percent earn more. In 2016, 206,300 people were employed in the U.S. as medical records and health information technicians.